(Softball Players Poem)

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will. When the bases you're trudging seems all uphill. When the hits are low and the errors are high. And you want to smile, but you have to sigh. When the heat is pressing you down a bit. Rest if you must, but you dont quit. Success is failure turned inside out, the silver tint of the clouds of doubt. And you can never tell how close you are. It may be near when it seems afar. So stick to the game when it is hardest hit. It's when things go wrong that you must not quit.
By Sarah, Johnstown Jewels

(Softball Poem)

Patience is a women's greatest virtue, or so the saying goes. A softball player must have said it, for a softball player knows, that in this funny sport of ours, discouragement runs high, and at times the very best will find, this virtue's passed us by. When knees are cut from sliding, when every muscle's sore. Can a softball player still have patience, to limp on the field for more? When you've lost games you should've won, and progress seems so slow. Can you have faith in better days? and not feel sad and low? Can you admitt you're frightened? yet not give into fear? Can you conquer pain, frustration, and often even tears? When someone else does something, you've tried so long to do. Can you really be happy for them? or pity just for you? And when success seems far away, you're efforts all in vein. Can you force yourself to smile, and disregard the pain? And if despite the tribulations, you can say "I won't give in". Then maybe some day you'll discover, that now's your time to win.
By Arielle, Youth Softball Player

(Just a Little Girl)

She stands at home plate with her heart pounding fast. The bases are loaded, the die has been cast. Mom and Dad cannot help her, she stands all alone, a hit at this moment would send her team home. The ball nears the plate, she swings and misses, there's a groan from the crowd with some boos and hisses. A thoughtless voice cries, "Strike out the bum!" Tears fill her eyes, the game's no longer fun. Remember, she is just a little girl who stands all alone. So open yhour heart and give her a break, for it's moments like this a woman you can make. Keep this in mind when you hear someone forget, she's just a little girl and not a woman yet.
By Hillary, Lady Vipers

(Earn A Name)

People keep saying it's just a game, I don't think so I have to earn a name. I want to be known as the greatest of all, the one who never dropped the ball. People have told me i'll get somewhere someday, but it sure doesn't look like it from this way. I want to go to a college far out west, I really don't think I'll ever be the best. Someone had told me I'm a sight to see, I didn't think so, I didn't have the confidence in me. I tried so hard to get better and better, I thought I would never get that letter. It was for this game I had such a big heart, I knew softball and I should never part. When I harder the greater I got, and I finally earned that leading spot. I started to listen to what people had to say, and I had eventually made it to my day. If people tell you it's just a game, don't beleive it, you have to earn your name.
By Melissa, South West Lexington Allstars

(For the Love of the Game)

I shrugged my shoulders, and took a practice swing, The girls on the bench, began to sing. The pitcher on the mound, took her place, And got a lop-sided grin on her face. I looked at the coach, as the signals started to come, I watched them go by, one by one. She needed a single, that was it, Nothing fancy, just a hit. I got so nervous, I don't know why, it was just a game, not a guy. I took a deep breath and watched the ball fly, Heard the crack of the bat, and said good-bye. The shortstop fielded it and made her throw, I concentrated on the base, I couldn't be slow. I couldn't let my team-mates down, I couldn't bear my coach's frown. I beat the ball, I knew I was there, so when I was called out, I cried out in despair. I wanted to yell and let him see, just how much this hit meant to me. I needed to prove to myself that I was good, I needed to know that I could. Striking out left you not the same. But I guess this is all for the love of the game.
By Ashley, Salem Rocks Softball

(Over Coming Adversity)

If you think you are beaten, you are. If you think you dare not, you don't. If you like to win but think you can't, It's almost a cinch you won't. If you think you'll loose, you've lost. For out of the world we find, success begins with a fellow's will, It's all in the state of mind. If you think you're outclassed, you are. You've got to think high to rise. You've got to be sure of yourself, before you can ever win a prize. Life's battles don't always go, to the stronger or faster man, but sooner or later the man who wins, is the one who thinks he can.
By Unknown Player, Church Point High Lady Bears

(Softball)

When the ball is thrown, I feel like I should be on a throne! Most people think softball is just a game, but I blame that they are wrong, so I'll sing my song, loud and clear, so they can hear, that softball is not just a game, it is a game, of working as a team, but as it seems we do that! So pick up your bat, GO FOR IT and make a hit!
By Ashlee, Flemington Flames Allstars